Understanding one`s own religion helps maintain inter-religious harmony

Antara News, Thursday, September 23, 2010 19:44 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A senior people`s welfare official said understanding the theological basis of one`s own religion could help maintain inter-religious harmony in society.

"Basically every religion teaches peace and solidarity to its followers. Even in Islam, people are urged to respect and do good to others," Dyihabuddin, deputy for education, religious and state administrative affairs to the Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare, said here Thursday.

Speaking at a discussion on how to maintain inter-religious harmony, Syihabuddin said interfaith tolerance in society would come naturally when people really understand and implemented the basis of their own religion.

Apart from a good grasp of the theological basis of one`s own religion. people should also have a multicultural understanding to keep inter-religious harmony. Multicultural understanding would allow people to respect the uniqueness of their fellow human beings and not negatively differentiate them based on race, culture, sex or status in the society.

"A multicultural understanding will allow people to participate in activities outside their own ethnic or cultural backgrounds," he added.

On the same occasion, Abdurahman Mas`ud , head of Religious Affairs Ministry`s Religious Life Research and Development Center, said empowering people and religious organizations could be a strategy to keep inter-religious harmony.

He said since 2009, the government had established an organization named Forum for Inter-Religious Harmony (FKUB) made up of people from different religious organizations.

The forum was set up in all of Indonesia`s 33 provinces and tasked with holding dialogue with prominent figures and religious leaders, listen to the aspirations of members of religious organizations and recommend them to the government.

FKUB was also authorized to familiarize the public with government regulations on inter-religious relations and give recommendations for the establishment of new houses of worship in any given district or city.

"FKUB is expected to assist the government to maintain inter-religious relations in Indonesia," Abdurrahman said.

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